On Sunday 11 October, on the day of the patronal feast of Vigevano, – together with the fervor that brings the Palio to the city and the parish, with the historical procession and the games of the Contrade – the community of San Giovanni Bosco in Cristo Re began a new journey, saying goodbye to the outgoing parish priest Father Nicolas Banyikwa and welcoming the new one, Father Binay Kumar Guria.
The inaugural Mass, celebrated at 10:30 a.m., was presided over by the Superior General of the Doctrinaries, Father Sergio La Pegna, together with Father Nicolas Bagninkwa; Father Gianbattista Carnevale Garè, the parochial vicar; and Father Giovanni Perizzolo, a Doctrinarie from the Turin community who previously served as parish priest in Vigevano.
Before the service, Father Binay Kumar Guria, accompanied by Father Sergio La Pegna, was received by the Bishop of Vigevano, Monsignor Maurizio Gervasoni, to receive his appointment and a blessing for the commencement of his pastoral ministry.
After two years of intense ministry and a shared journey, Father Nicolas is stepping down as head of the parish to take on a new assignment in Varallo Sesia; in his place, the community has welcomed its new parish priest with joy and hope.
In a short time, Father Nicolas was able to integrate himself into the daily life of the parish, leaving a mark on the hearts of the faithful. His ministry was distinguished by a commitment to fostering a sense of communion within the community, remaining close to families, showing care for the youth, and nurturing the liturgical and spiritual life. The entire community in Vigevano has expressed its gratitude to him for his work, the moments of prayer shared, and the witness of faith he lived out.
On behalf of the entire community, the members of the pastoral council welcomed Father Binay, assuring him of their prayers, affection, active support, and collaboration in parish life. The arrival of a new parish priest brings with it a sense of anticipation, but also new gifts, a fresh perspective, and a renewed impetus to journey together in faith.
Father Binay, born in Ranchi, India, recalled with great warmth his arrival in Italy many years ago—specifically in Vigevano, at the Negrone Institute—at the beginning of his journey as a priest in the Congregation of the Doctrinaries. He spent the last few years of his pastoral service at the parish of Gesù Nazareno in Turin, serving as parochial vicar and as the bursar for the community of priests.
